What is it that's made the 3-series the object of envy and imitation among its contemporaries, as well as a perennial 10Best car? Torquey straight-six engines smoother than satin? Snick-snick manual transmissions? Prizefighter reflexes? Indeed — along with proportions so pure even BMW is afraid to tamper with them.

But with its 12th consecutive award here, we've long since isolated BMW's critical ingredient: ride quality. Beyond its world-class athleticism, this distinguished family of sports sedans (and wagons) stands out from the crowd for ride character that manages to be supple without being soft. The cars deliver the tight, action-ready feel that goes with autobahn breeding, but they stop short of communicating every surface imperfection to their occupants. After all, where is it written that agility has to equate with discomfort?

As in 2002, the 3-series 10Best award embraces an extended family of cars — two-doors, four-doors, wagons, convertibles — ranging from the 184-hp, 2.5-liter 325i to the sizzling 333-hp M3. Each is designed to deliver, within its limitations, the ultimate driving experience. And in our opinion, each of them continues to do just that.